Preparation for ASVAB

One of the most prestigious career options is to be a part of the US
military services. Being in the US Army, Navy or Air force is not only
considered a pride but also is a responsibility that has to be
shouldered with courage and ability. It is a path that is chosen by few
determined people who have the will and aptitude to join the forces.
However, having the aptitude is not enough unless a person is trained
to go through the specific recruitment procedure.

Demands of a Career in Military Services

Jobs related to the military services are extremely demanding. One
requires to be knowledgeable, physically fit and mentally strong. The
challenges faced in the career path of a military personal requires the
exhibition of exceptioasvab-test-preparation.aspxnal talent and knowledge. Such talent maybe
innate to a certain extent, however, it is a matter of realizing these
innate abilities. Moreover, it is also possible to adopt most of the
skills required to join the services with persistent preparation for
the recruitment services.

How can you Benefit from Preparation for ASVAB?

ASVAB is a test of multiple abilities. Good preparation can help you
to swim through this test with ease.
The groundwork required to take the test
helps in understanding the types of skills tested in it and matching up
your skill level to the required expectations.

It is designed to evaluate the aptitude
of students through a battery of several tests. Preparation makes you
realize these different areas and thus you can work towards making them
your strengths in order to score well in the
test. A high score in this test
is very beneficial since it opens the way to the top jobs in specific
fields.

By preparing for this test you can:

make an estimate of the content areas asked in it

become aware of the areas in which you falter, and hence train
yourself accordingly

recognize the test pattern and instructions to be followed, which
gives you confidence of knowing the test in advance

handle the types of questions on different subtests skillfully

set your desired score as your goal and make efforts to achieve it

Preparation Required for ASVAB

All the subtests of this test can
be classified in four content areas. These are

Verbal

Math

Science and technology

Assembling objects

The students need to pay individual attention to the content of each
subtest under these categories.

1. How to Prepare for Verbal Subtests

The verbal subtests are Word Knowledge and Paragraph
Comprehension. Word Knowledge subtest tests your vocabulary. The
knowledge of words acquired in school helps a great deal in attempting
well in this test. However, this does not mean that candidates who have
not acquired a good vocabulary are not able to do well in it.

It is possible to improve your vocabulary and other verbal skills
during preparation by reading a dictionary and other books in general.
Exercises like reading the newspapers, magazines etc. and looking up
for difficult words are helpful in increasing your word knowledge.

You are not required to have prior knowledge of the topics for the
Paragraph Comprehension subtest. Instead, you are required to prepare
to take a comprehension test. The student is required to answer several
direct and indirect questions in the context of the passage. Hence, the
best technique of preparation for this subtest is practice of sample
Paragraph Comprehension questions. Practice to find out the main idea
of the paragraph, understand the details and make inferences from them.
Good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar also helps in this subtest.

2. Preparation for Math Subtests

It is most important to prepare for this section of the test
for the given reasons. Firstly both, Arithmetic Reasoning and Math
knowledge contribute towards the score in Armed Forces Qualifying Test.
Secondly, these subtests involve skills of precision, mental accuracy
and alertness. Any dwindle in the preparation level can result in
careless answers, which can affect the score to a great extent.

However, the candidates should not get unnerved due to these facts
because mastery in this content area can be achieved with regular
practice of sample test questions. You need to practice specific
questions, as are asked in the math subtests that require problem
solving and mathematical calculations. The students need to brush up
their concepts of math learnt in their high school years.

3. Preparation for Science and Technology

Science and Technology forms the largest part of the test
since five subtests are devoted to testing of this content area.
Moreover, most of the subtests under this content area are required for
getting into a specialized field in the military services. Therefore,
in order to score well in this area it is required that one
concentrates on these subjects and secures a high overall test score.

The student must turn to his high school education since the
questions of General Science are based on concepts and principles
taught in high school. For the training in specific areas like Auto and
Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension etc., you can take the help
of study guides, sample questions and other study materials for the test.

4. Preparation for Assembling Objects

Preparing for this part of the test
is different from that of the other subtests. No prior knowledge is required to take this subtest.
However, candidates can prepare themselves for this part of the test in a number of ways.

Assembling Objects is a test that involves the candidates to
perceive abstract images and formulate decisions. Hence, mind games
like jigsaw puzzles and certain computer games can serve as good prep
tools for this section. Solving a number of sample questions also helps
to sharpen your abilities to take the test.

Devising a Plan for Preparation

Military life is about discipline and organization. If you are
disciplined enough to plan your preparation, it indicates that you can
go a long way in this career. In order to organize your preparation,
you need to keep the following things into consideration.

Time required for complete preparation

Time required for preparation of each subtest

Method of study to be employed

Time for revision and practice

All these factors need introspection at a personal level. A
preparation plan is distinct for each candidate since the needs of each
candidate differ. If a candidate requires lesser time to prepare for
the Math subtests, another might require more time for it. Similarly,
one candidate maybe able to study well on his own with the help of
study materials but another candidate may require the help of
supervisors and guides of a coaching institute. Hence, a preparation
plan must be devised keeping the personal needs in mind.

Preparation Help Available

Help is extended for prospective candidates
in many forms. There is a vast storehouse of study materials including
books, manuals, and online materials etc. to prepare for each
content area. Along with this, students can seek the help of experts by
enrolling to a preparation course in their locality. Online options
also offer such expert help through Internet at one’s home.

Guidance for students is also offered on the official website of
ASVAB, www.official-asvab.com.
It offers preparation guidelines for the test as well as numerous
practice sample questions for each of the subtests. It also explains
the test in detail so that students can familiarize themselves with the
requirements of subtests as well as CAT and paper and pencil format of
the test.

Conclusion

Concentrating on the content area of each subtest during preparation
is the key to success in the test.
Having the determination and will to do well in the test right from the start will help you choose
your course of preparation to a great extent. Hence, be positive and
gear up to take the test.